Spiezle Architectural Group is one of the premier renewable energy design firms, with over 6 Megawatts of photovoltaic projects in various stages of design and construction.  Our firm has extensive experience from the financial planning and concept stage through permitting and construction administration on these types of projects.

Building orientation plays a major role in harnessing solar, whether for thermal heating or electricity. While solar electric is more expensive currently than other technologies such as wind, it has fewer issues implementing and is more widely available. In addition, solar thermal can be cost effective to install within the first few years of operation.

A project site is the critical factor in considering wind. There are certain requirements, such as the proper wind speed and need for lack of obstructions, to make wind viable. While many States have wind maps which may give you an idea of the available resource, most often it is necessary to do a micro-site analysis to determine that actual wind speed and therefore available wind resource. The other major consideration with wind is height. Most viable small scale wind (100KW or less) requires a tower height of 150´ on average. This is usually a zoning issue and may require a variance. In all, if these concerns can be addressed, wind is more cost effective in general and may provide more energy on the right sight than solar.

Biomass is a broad term currently used to describe organic matter that can be used as a renewable energy source or for its chemical components.  Biomass includes plants, trees, and agricultural crops.  Biomass can be harvested to generate energy, in the form of heat and electricity.  Biomass also includes agricultural and forest residues, sludges, manures, methane gas from landfills, and organic by-products of household waste.  Biomass energy has abundant benefits for the environment including reducing air and water pollution, reliance on fossil fuels, energy costs, and carbon footprint.

There are significant state rebate opportunities available for high-efficiency HVAC design and equipment, energy-efficient lighting, and system sensors through the Energy Star Program & Smart Start Program in New Jersey. Renewable energy systems for solar, wind, and biomass are also available through the NJ Clean Energy Program. Similar incentives are available in other States as well as Federal incentives for some building Owners. Our design team has extensive knowledge and experience with these programs and can work to ensure a significant rebate for the above items through participation in these programs.